Sydney Roosters sign Todd Carney
THE Roosters will boast the NRL's hottest scrumbase trio next season, with Todd Carney agreeing to join star playmakers Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta at Bondi.
With incumbent NSW halfback Pearce secured until 2013, Carney will arrive at the club as a five-eighth and enable Anasta to shift to lock.
The Daily Telegraph has learned Carney and Roosters officials reached an agreement several weeks ago for the ex-Raiders ball-player to resume his NRL career with the tricolours.
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Sacked by Canberra last July after a string of alcohol-related incidents, Carney is prevented from playing NRL this season. He accepted a footballing lifeline from far North Queensland two weeks ago, joining local side Atherton Roosters and playing his first game in eight months.
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But it can now be revealed that Carney headed to the tropics with his future beyond 2008 already finalised after negotiating with the Roosters several weeks ago.
Although no contract has been signed, The Daily Telegraph understands both parties have agreed in principle to a four-year deal that will make Carney a Rooster until 2013.
The Roosters wanted to monitor Carney's rehabilitation in Atherton during the next month before making an announcement.
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Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan last night refused to confirm the club had secured Carney's services. "We are going to monitor his behaviour and have a think about it," he said.
"We are interested in quality players and we'll see how things go.
"He hasn't signed anything yet."
Carney's manager David Riolo scoffed at suggestions that a deal had been done.
"You can write whatever you want - I don't know where you are getting your mail from," Riolo said.
"He hasn't agreed to any terms."
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But Penrith - one of several clubs in the race for Carney's signature - last night confirmed they were now looking elsewhere on account of the Roosters winning out.
"We were in there with the best of them," Panthers general manager Mick Leary said.
"As far as I knew we'd matched the dollars other clubs had put up but I haven't spoken to his manager David Riolo for about a month. We were keen to obtain a new halfback but I'm sure there will be other opportunities that present themselves."
Carney, 22, spent most of his time in Canberra as a halfback. Although he will wear the Roosters' No. 6, he could still play first receiver on the opposite side of the ruck to Pearce. Officials also believe he has enough utility value to fill in at fullback.
Carney's signing will place pressure on the Roosters to retain Anthony Minichiello and Setaimata Sa, who are off contract after this season.
